Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 34
Purūravā’s Song of Renunciation and the Glory of Sādhu-saṅga
सन्तो दिशन्ति चक्षूंषि बहिरर्क: समुत्थित: । देवता बान्धवा: सन्त: सन्त आत्माहमेव च ॥ ३४ ॥
santo diśanti cakṣūṁṣi bahir arkaḥ samutthitaḥ devatā bāndhavāḥ santaḥ santa ātmāham eva ca
എന്റെ ഭക്തസന്തന്മാർ ദിവ്യദൃഷ്ടി നൽകുന്നു; സൂര്യൻ ഉദിച്ചാൽ മാത്രമേ പുറംകാഴ്ച നൽകൂ. സന്തന്മാരാണ് യഥാർത്ഥ ആരാധ്യദേവതകളും യഥാർത്ഥ ബന്ധുക്കളും; അവർ തന്നെയാണ് സ്വന്തം ആത്മാവ്, ഒടുവിൽ അവർ എന്നിൽ നിന്ന് അഭിന്നരാണ്.
Foolishness is the wealth of the impious, who place great value on their treasure and firmly make up their minds to remain in the darkness of ignorance. Saintly devotees of the Lord are just like the sun. By the light of their words, the living entities’ eyes of knowledge are opened and the darkness of ignorance is destroyed. Thus the saintly devotees are one’s real friends and relatives. They are the proper recipients of service — not the gross material body, which merely clamors for sense gratification.
FAQs
This verse teaches that saints redirect our vision toward truth like the rising sun, and that they are our true well-wishers—so honoring and associating with them is a direct path to spiritual clarity and devotion.
Krishna emphasizes that genuine sādhus embody God-centered consciousness and compassion; serving them connects one to the indwelling Self (ātmā) and to Krishna, who is present in and pleased by His devotees.
Seek guidance from authentic devotees and scriptures, keep company that strengthens bhakti and integrity, and treat saintly teachers and sincere practitioners with respect—allowing their example to correct your priorities and habits.